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Alan’s Walk

1891. Alan Bocking

Alan Bocking, aged 95, from Doncaster, has been fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support through sponsored walks after he was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer last year and told he had only months to live.

Alan Bocking

Alan, who formerly served as a marine and has long been a committed to fundraising for charities throughout his life, immediately set his mind on a half-mile walking challenge around his local area after learning of his diagnosis to help other people living with cancer. Setting an initial target of £10,000, Alan soon surpassed this and vowed to continue push himself, despite undergoing radiotherapy, with keeping up his walking and fundraising for as long as he is able. His fundraiser has currently raised over £17,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, the charity which has provided him with advice and information during his diagnosis.

In a personal letter to Alan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“From your service in the Royal Marines, you understand the true meaning of courage and fortitude. It is that fortitude you have brought to your fundraising walks, turning up in all weathers and through your own health challenges. To do so alongside caring for your beloved wife, Sylvia, is an astonishing achievement.

“The thousands of pounds you have raised for ‘Macmillan Cancer Support’ will help others living with cancer.”

Rt Hon Dame Rosie Winterton, MP for Doncaster Central, said:

“I find Alan’s story inspirational. He has taken some deeply distressing, personal news and channelled it into something wonderful. Alan not only met his target of £10,000 but has now far exceeded it, and the money raised from his sponsored walk will go towards funding vital charity work. I am very pleased that Macmillan Cancer Support has repaid this act of kindness by supporting Alan’s nomination for the Points of Light Award, and I’m sure no one can dispute the Government’s decision to award Alan for his hard work.”

Alan said:

“I’m shocked and very pleased to receive the Point of Light award, I have made so many new friends through walking for Macmillan and I’m so grateful to everyone who donates to the cause.

“With all the sad news in the world my heart bleeds, but I know that what I’m doing will improve someone’s life and make living with cancer that little bit easier, that’s my positive message.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement my family and friends have given me.”

Fiona Gavaghan, Macmillan’s Fundraising Manager, said:

“On behalf of everyone at Macmillan I can’t thank Alan enough, for months Alan has turned up to Doncaster Lakeside in rain, hail or shine because he is driven to raise as much money as he can for people living with cancer.

“At a time when demand for Macmillan services continues to be high it’s never been more important to raise vital funds so that we can deliver the services that people living with cancer so desperately need.

“Alan’s selfless commitment to his fundraising is humbling and it’s no exaggeration to say Macmillan and people with cancer have never needed his help more than they do right now.”

See more about Alan’s fundraiser

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